The Philadelphia Phillies have humorously joined in the viral sensation surrounding the “kiss cam” incident from a recent Coldplay concert. On July 18, 2023, footage emerged showing the team’s mascots reenacting the awkward moment involving Andy Byron, the CEO of Astronomer, and Kristin Cabot, the company’s Chief People Officer, as the Phillies played against the Los Angeles Angels.
The original incident occurred during a Coldplay concert, where Byron and Cabot were caught on the big screen sharing an intimate moment. As soon as they realized they were being filmed, they quickly separated, with Cabot covering her face while Byron ducked down in an attempt to avoid the camera. Coldplay’s lead singer, Chris Martin, humorously commented on their reaction, saying, “Either they’re having an affair or they’re just very shy. I’m not quite sure what to do.”
In a playful nod to the viral moment, the Phillies’ mascots mimicked the scene during the game. As the cameras focused on them, a commentator echoed Martin’s earlier remarks, prompting laughter from the audience. The Phillies shared the reenactment on their official X account, captioning it, “Local CEO caught CHEATING at Phillies game?!”
The fallout from the original kiss cam incident has significantly impacted Astronomer. Following the viral footage, the company announced that Byron is currently on leave while the Board of Directors has initiated a formal investigation into the matter. A statement released on July 18 confirmed that Pete DeJoy, the co-founder and Chief Product Officer, will serve as interim CEO during this period.
Astronomer’s statement on LinkedIn emphasized the importance of leadership accountability, stating, “Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability. We will have additional details to share very shortly.” The swift corporate response highlights the seriousness with which the company is addressing the situation.
As this story continues to unfold, it serves as a reminder of how quickly personal moments can escalate into public spectacles, especially in the age of social media. Both the Philadelphia Phillies and the individuals involved in the original incident are now at the center of a narrative that blends humor and corporate consequences.
